Saltash United 6 Launceston 1

Saltash cruised through to the semi-finals of the SWPL Walter C Parson League Cup on Wednesday night with a commanding four-goal second half performance.

The Ashes will now face Elburton Villa or Mousehole in the last four, at either Tavistock or St Austell, on Tuesday March 26.

The other semi-final sees Falmouth Town face Cullompton Rangers at Saltash on Wednesday March 27.

On a pudding of a pitch, Saltash started sluggishly and Launceston had most of the possession in the opening 15 minutes without being able to create a clear opportunity.

And the Ashes punished them in the 17th minute when Ryan Richards beat the offside trap along the right and cut inside to finish off from 18 yards.

To their credit, Launceston continued to press forward and got their reward after 27 minutes when the Ashes failed to defend a free kick from the right and Lee Rundle forced the ball over the line at the far post.

There was little to choose between the sides for the remainder of the first half but seconds before the break, Richards broke clear of a square Launceston defence and lifted a superb lobbed shot into the far corner of the net.

It proved to be a crucial time to score because in the second half Saltash ran away with the tie. They were virtually home and dry by the hour mark thanks to goals from left back Caleb Summerfield (55 minutes) and midfield maestro Sam Farrant (60).

Two goals in the last five minutes, from striker Sam Hughes and right back Dave Barker, with a superb volley, completed the rout.

Saltash: R Rickard, D Barker, C Summerfield, S Leary, C O’Brien, S Sargison, S Cleary S Farrant, S Hughes, R Richards, D Lewis.Subs: C Martindale, D Trott, R Maddison, L Edwards, J Simmonds.

Referee: T Anstice-Mitchell.

Attendance: 116.